Hormonal imbalance is very common among women. Our hormones circulate our bodies and they influence us on different levels. Hormones affect our body weight, hair growth, bone and muscle growth and our fertility. The relationship between hormonal imbalance and food might be closer than otherwise thought.
In females, the main sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone. The production of these hormones mainly occur in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and, during pregnancy, in the placenta. We have to take care of our hormones because this will help us stay healthy and help us have a healthy pregnancy should we be pregnant. Hormones are there to help us by being the chemical messengers in the body. They keep our bodies running smoothly. A hormonal imbalance does not only affect a certain organ but can result in a long-term illness like PCOD, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
There are various reasons for which a hormonal imbalance can occur but one of the most common reasons is a lifestyle. And lifestyle includes what we eat. Every person might have certain sensitivities to various foods, therefore it is important to pay attention to what we eat and how it affects us. Often, the relationship between hormonal imbalance and food is misunderstood.
The following foods are found to increase the risk of developing hormonal imbalance in women.
1. Processed foods
Almost any type of packed food (biscuits, cookies, bread) are high in sodium, sugar and preservatives. This combination is dangerous because it increases inflammation in the body and it adds stress to the adrenal glands, putting you at risk of weight gain and serious hormonal imbalance.
2.Caffeine
Too much coffee disrupts more than your sleep pattern. Caffeine present in the coffee increases cortisol production in the body. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, causes the body to enter a state of high alert. This will also have an impact on your hormones as your body is under a lot of pressure trying to detect the ‘danger’.
3. Dairy products
Milk and the hormones found in milk can lead to inflammation in the gut and mess with your hormones. Consuming high amounts of milk can also lead to diabetes by raising triglycerides.
4. Soy products
Soy contains phytoestrogen, a bioactive substance that acts as oestrogen in the body. Because of this the ovulation cycle gets affected which can have an impact on your reproductive health.
5. Some vegetables
We know that vegetables are healthy. However, if consumed in excess, some of them can affect your thyroid gland. Peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and
Conclusion- Hormonal imbalance and food
To sum up, food impacts our hormones. Some people might be more sensitive to certain foods than others, so it is important to pay attention at how our bodies react to them. If you are interested in other things that can impact your hormonal health, check this article about gut and how its health may affect the reproductive system.
There are many online sources or books that offer specific nutrition advice to balance hormones. Magdalena Wszelaki offers over 125 delicious recipes to boost energy and mood, lower inflammation, gain strength and restore health weight. You find her book here.